Will Clayton
Will Clayton is a highly regarded employment lawyer, known for his broad range of commercial experience and his calm, practical, solution-focussed legal advice and effective advocacy to businesses, senior executives, and regulated professionals facing complex workplace or career challenges.
"Client-focused, combining his legal knowledge with a high level of attentiveness and determination to get the right result for the client as quickly as possible" - Chambers 2026
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Will began his career by qualifying as a barrister in 1995, as a solicitor in 1997 quickly establishing a deep specialism in employment law. Since then, he has built a distinguished practice advising organisations on complex issues, often involving senior executives, including internal investigations, dismissals, sex race and disability discrimination,. whistleblowing, High Court injunctions and the enforcement of restrictive covenants, the protection of client confidential information, restructuring advice and general employment law compliance.
Will also advises and representing employers in disputes before the Employment Tribunals and the High Court. Will’s advocacy experience is another standout feature of his practice.
Will is particularly valued for his calm, practical, strategic and solution-oriented approach, combining legal insight with commercial awareness to help clients manage risk and his ability to achieve effective outcomes.
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Winner of “The Times Lawyer of the Week” for his successful representation of Adeline Willis in her claims of cancer-related disability discrimination against NatWest Bank Plc, Will also regularly advises directors, partners CEOs and other -C-suite / senior executives whenever they face challenges in their current roles, suffer discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment at work and represents them in Employment Tribunal and High Court claims and with exit negotiations, settlement agreements, team moves and the enforceability of post termination restrictions.
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Will has substantial experience advising regulated professionals, especially those working in law and financial services, when they are the subject of internal investigations involving potential breaches of regulatory obligations that could also have career limiting implications and frequently co-counsels with Sarah Wallace and other members of our regulatory team.
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Will's expertise is recognised by leading legal directories, including his listing in Chambers, Legal 500 and the 2025 Doyle’s Guide: Leading Employment Lawyers (Employer Representation) for London, reflecting peer and market recognition of Will’s depth of experience, achievements and client service.​
“Will is a skilled lawyer and advocate with a proven ability to deliver practical solutions in complex and fast paced environments. His broad employment law experience means that he is able to balance legal and commercial risk in order to provide pragmatic advice. I will have no hesitation in referring Will to others in need of proficient employment law advice and representation.” —General Counsel
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"I would say he is particularly client-focused, combining his legal knowledge with a high level of attentiveness and determination to get the right result for the client as quickly as possible." - Chambers 2026 respondent
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​Specialties: Investigations, Dismissals, Discrimination, Whistle blowing, Unfair Dismissal, Wrongful Dismissal, Dispute Resolution; Recruitment; Financial Services; Law Firms; LLP / Partnership Exits and Advice, Advocacy, Senior Executives, Directors; CEOs and CFOs; Restrictive Covenants; Confidential Information, Injunctions, TUPE; Employment Tribunals; Unfair Dismissal, FCA and SRA.
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Reported cases include:
Ms V Singhakowinta v Petroineos Trading Ltd — Case No. 2200468/2024 (successful defence of respondent’s application to strike out or obtain a deposit order due to statutory time limits)
Ms A Willis v National Westminster Bank plc — Case No. 2205821/2020 (successful claim of unfair dismissal and discrimination arising from disability (cancer) contrary to s.15 Equality Act 2010)
Gosden v Lifeline Project Ltd ET/2802731/2009 (one of the first cases dealing with the extent of right to privacy of electronic communications connected with employment)
Arch Initiatives v Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust & Others UKEAT/0267/15/RN. (TUPE - when changes to activities carried out before and after a change in service providers can prevent a relevant transfer)
When not at work, Will enjoys golf, skiing and keeping fit!
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